THE CAST of “Tootsie,” now playing at NSMT through Sunday, Aug. 25. (Paul Lyden Photo)
By GAIL LOWE
BEVERLY—Expert precision is key in any successful musical production, but even more so in a fast-paced show like “Tootsie,” now playing at North Shore Music Theatre through Sunday, Aug. 25.
Under the direction and choreography of Richard J. Hinds and music direction of Sam Groisser, NSMT’s 22-member cast rose to the occasion and showcased their expert precision in spectacular fashion in both song and dance.
Right from the beginning quick set and costume changes, along with snappy dialogue and hilarious one-liners, kept the actors on the move and the audience fully engaged during a recent performance.
The energy expended on stage was nothing short of a spectacular display of talented singers and dancers.
This is a popular, fun story about New York actor Michael Dorsey (Kyle Nicholas Anderson), a talented actor whose obsession for perfection is so extreme that no one on Broadway—or Hollywood—will hire him.
In a conversation with his agent Stan Fields (Fred Sullivan Jr.,) Dorsey says, “Are you saying that nobody in New York will work with me?”
Fields replies, “No, no . . . that’s too limiting. Nobody in Hollywood wants to work with you either. I can’t even set you up for a commercial. You played a tomato for 30 seconds. They went a half day over schedule because you wouldn’t sit down.”
And when Dorsey says, “Yes, it wasn’t logical!” Fields has the last word—“You were a tomato! A tomato doesn’t have logic. A tomato can’t move!”
So, what does an actor inching toward 40 years old do when his own personality gets in the way of success? He does the only thing he can do. He reinvents himself. In Dorsey’s case, after a soap opera audition doesn’t go well, he decides to make a major change. He portrays himself as actress Dorothy Michaels, and he wins the part. But most good stories have a twist, including “Tootsie.” Not once does Dorsey ever expect that his new role will turn into a long-term contract but it does. And complicating the matter, Dorsey falls for castmate Julie played by T. Shyvonne Stewart.
The 15 song playlist lacks melodies that inspire theater patrons to hum and sing on the way home, but Anderson and Stewart both have voices that would shake the walls of any theater and they did during this performance.
Adding to the fun was Dorsey’s roommate and master of one-liners Jeff Slater and their mutual neurotic friend Sandy Lester, played by Brooke Jacob.
A 14-member ensemble jitter-bugged across the stage, delighting the audience even more.
Additional actors included Matt Allen as Ron Carlisle, Luke Hamilton as Max Von Horn, Crystal Sha’nae as Rita Marshall, Chase McCall as Stuart and Joanne Gilliam as Suzie.
Much applause to Dana Pinkston for outstanding costume design. The audience went wild when Dorsey rose high above the stage dressed in a bright red full-length sequined dress. Lighting design by Jack Mehler was also exceptional, as were the special effects.
In addition to Groisser (conductor and keyboard 2), musicians were Robert L. Rucinski (keyboard 1), Robert Bowlby (flute, piccolo, alto saxophone), William Vint (flute, clarinet, tenor saxophone), Jay Daly (trumpet 1, flugelhorn), Daniel Fleury (trumpet 2, flugelhorn), Neal Melley (trombone), Sahil Warsi (bass), Thomas Young (guitar, mandolin) and George Darrah (drumset, percussion).
Theater owner Bill Hanney said that aside from the award-winning writing, the creators of the musical brilliantly chose to draw inspiration from the original movie but not copy it onto the stage.
“Instead, they took the time to craft a new story that feels familiar yet offers an updated take on the film’s messages about the struggles women face in the workplace and in life as well as the pressures of society’s expectations of gender roles,” Hanney commented.
Thank you, Bill Hanney, for staging another winner.
“Tootsie” is based on a story written by Don McGuire and Larry Gelbart. David Yazbek, music and lyrics and Robert Horn, book.
For tickets and information, call 978-232-7200, visit www.nsmt.org or visit the box office at 54 Dunham Rd., Beverly. R-rated for language.
